Head of Programs - Ethiopia

About the role

ForAfrika, an African-rooted organisation working in emergency relief and long-term development, is recruiting a Head of Programs for its Ethiopia operations. The role leads all programmatic functions, including program implementation, quality assurance, community integration, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL), and emergency response coordination. It reports solid-line to the Country Director and dotted-line to the Director of Programs, Global Support Office.

Key responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for programs in health, education, WASH, food security, livelihoods and emergency response, and lead the country program strategy
• Maintain quality frameworks aligned with SPHERE, the Core Humanitarian Standard and donor compliance
• Manage the program portfolio, monitor performance against targets and budgets, and coordinate with finance on budget variance analysis
• Build relationships with donors, government partners and implementing partners, and lead resource mobilisation
• Ensure community participation and partnership with local organisations, and oversee capacity building for community-based partners
• Lead emergency preparedness, contingency planning, rapid response, needs assessments and representation in humanitarian coordination forums
• Lead and mentor program managers, MEAL officers and field coordinators, and uphold safeguarding and code of conduct policies
• Represent the organisation at national and international forums and maintain good relations with authorities

Required profile

• Degree in a development-related field such as agriculture, natural resource management, economics or social sciences
• 8-10 years of experience in international development or humanitarian programming, including at least 5 years in senior management
• Experience managing complex, multi-sector programs in Sub-Saharan Africa, preferably Mozambique, and in emergency response
• Preferred: project/program management certification (PMP, PMD Pro)

Required skills

• Program cycle management and quality frameworks (SPHERE, CHS, HAP)
• DMEAL methodologies, evaluation and data analysis
• Knowledge of USAID, EU, UN and bilateral donor requirements
• Conflict-sensitive programming and Do No Harm approaches
• Leadership of diverse teams and stakeholder relationship building

The position is based in Ethiopia with up to 40% travel to field locations, and requires flexibility for extended hours during crises and adherence to security protocols.